Martinez, 17, will compete with three of the world’s finests: Patrick Chan of Canada, Denise Ten of Kazakhstan and Javier Fernandez of Spain in Men’s Figure Skating at the Short Program Eliminations on February 13.

Martinez began skating in 2005 at the age of 8. He started his figure skating journey at an ice skating rink inside a mall, where he found the inspiration to pursue the sport.

This will be the Philippines’ fourth time to particiapte in the Winter Olympics. The country was part of the event in 1972, 1988 and 1992 and has sent 4 participants in two events: Alpine Skiing and Luge.